2003 Subaru
Baja Crosses the Border Between Car and PickupBy:
Michael LevinePosted:
01-08-02 22:00
Originally shown as the well received ST-X concept vehicle at the 2000
Los Angeles International Auto Show, Subaru took the wraps off of its
brand new 2003 Baja in Detroit.

The four-passenger
Baja is based on Subaru's successful Legacy sedan / Outback wagon platform
and the family resemblance is unmistakable. Baja shares the same prominent
front end as the Legacy and Outback from the B-pillars forward but from
the C-pillar back its pickup truck bed provides flexibility and new cargo
carrying capabilities not found in the other two cars.

Baja's hauling
abilities expand when its "Switchback" system is used. Similar
in function to the Midgate pioneered in Chevrolet's
Avalanche, Switchback enables owners to quickly fold down the rear
seats and a panel in the wall under the back glass, expanding the bed
length to a full 7.5-feet when combined with an optional bed extender.
The
bed also includes an integrated liner with four tie-downs and a light.

Inside, the
Baja is as comfortable as its exterior is rugged. Leather trimmed seats,
a power moonroof and six-way power driver's seat are standard. Most of
the interior is straight from the Outback.

Aside from
Audi's Quattro, Subaru probably has the best known all-wheel drive system
available in a car or truck. It's AWD rally cars have won races and championships
around the world.

Baja owners
opting for a 5-speed manual transmission use Subaru's Continuous All Wheel
drive that has a viscously coupled center differential. Automatic Bajas
receive Active All Wheel Drive that sends power to all four wheels using
a viscous limited slip rear differential.

Power is
supplied by a standard 2.5-liter four cylinder engine that has 165 hp
and 166 ft-lbs. of torque. No other engine options have been announced
yet but it can probably be assumed the Baja will also offer a V6.

Subaru is
betting that new buyers, who appreciate Subaru's quirkiness and originality,
will want to jump into the highly unique Baja.